4 wheel drive "Auto" setting

[Vic15]

On the flip side, it's a good idea to periodically switch to auto or 4 wheel drive to move some fluid around to keep everything lubed including the seals.

[BigBrew]

If you need to leave it in auto you bought the wrong vehicle. Go get a Subaru with asymmetrical all wheel drive. If it was meant to be left in auto all the time, there wouldn't be a switch.

[stevencox93]

I never really trust that stuff. If I feel like I need 4x4 I put it in 4x4. I saw one member who used it in the snow and where it engaged and disengaged whenever he was going through the mountains it tore up some part I forgot what it was called but dealer wouldn't cover it and it was $1200 to fix. Plus I got a 2004 Tahoe Z71 with that auto function and the first time my mother used the auto function the transfer case switch blew up but was only $70 to replace so we've never used that function again and it's never messed up again.

[BuyAmericanIron]

I don't have enough working knowledge of the "Auto" function to make an educated comment, but would suggest only using it when needed, i.e. when roads are wet or slippery. On dry pavement or for most operating conditions, I always recommend leaving it in 2WD. Better fuel economy and less moving parts. One thing I do know about is 4HI and 4LO. In these positions, the front and rear wheels are positively locked at the transfer case. The only time to ever use these positions is when off road or in slick conditions such as a snow covered road. Turning on dry pavement in 4HI or 4LO will cause a lot of undue stress and wear on everything from U-joints, to CV joints, to the chain, gears and bearings inside the transfer case.

 

On the flip side, you have a 4x4 and like someone above posted, I would certainly use it when conditions are right. When the roads are slick, I always use 4HI. When conditions are questionable such as heavy rain, I use "Auto". When dry or for about 95% of my driving, I use 2WD.

[Kerrslight]

I love using the AUTO feature when driving in heavy rain. You can drive through water like its nobody business without having to worry about being carried off the highway. I drove home from Baton Rouge to Houston a few months ago and it was near blinding rain the whole way home. Had it on AUTO the whole time and still managed to do 60mph. 2wd in that much water, I would've been going much slower.

[Txjose]

I have mine in auto when i drive in snowy conditions or its really cold cause of ice on the road. Other then that i pit it in 2wd.....how else am i going to power slide when its raining??

[15 Z71]

I have to say,I have never heard of anyone putting their truck in auto 4wd because it's raining.

[Kerrslight]

Well try hitting an inch or two of water going down the highway. Hopefully your going straight, but if you hit one going around a slight turn, good luck in 2wd. Auto 4wd solves that problem. I live in Houston, so I will never see snow here. I have the Auto feature, so why not use it.

[scrodd88]

I drive in auto all the time

[old coons]

I drive in auto all the time

 

I agree. I put my 07 Silverado LTZ in Auto the day I bought it brand new and never touched the knob again until I traded it in this summer with 42,000 miles for my 15 High Country. Never had an issue at all. My High Country is in Auto now as well

[smrr1]

4auto does not stop hydro planing

[Kerrslight]

4auto does not stop hydro planing

 

Your right. I doesn't stop you from sliding on ice either, but 4 wheels moving in the right direction is better than 2

[Haus_Z71]

'Auto' is for my wife on snowy days when she doesn't know whether she should be in 4wd or 2wd. Plus her commute could have clear dry roads for a few miles then be snowy the next few.

[kp52]

I have to say,I have never heard of anyone putting their truck in auto 4wd because it's raining.

Trying to make a right turn onto a 55mph road in heavy traffic in the rain, thats one time it comes in handy.

 

Or going up a steep hill when it just started raining and slick, 2wd will get you nowhere except sideways with a G80.

 

Pulling my 8000lb boat and trailer up a steep boat ramp in the rain is another.

 

I'm sure after a while the clutches will wear if you leave it in 4wd auto all the time, but no quicker than clutches in a posi rear end. AWD cars and trucks tend to use fluid coupling instead of clutches to make up for different front/rear wheel speeds.

[15 Z71]

Just my opinion, my 06 had auto and i had it for 9 years. Never once did I ever have a problem driving in rain or water on roads in 2wd.